Atletico Madrid Says Goodbye To The Vicente Calderon

Diego Simeone has expressed his desire to continue as head coach at Atletico Madrid in a move that should disappoint a number of his high-profile suitors.

The Argentinian has guided Atletico to the LaLiga title and into two Champions League finals during his six seasons in charge, and with every passing year his reputation on the continent has grown.

Serie A underachievers Inter Milan are reportedly keen to hire Simeone as Stefano Pioli’s long-term successor while the former Lazio player has also been linked with Premier League club Arsenal.

Simeone, 47, said on Saturday he would hold talks with the Atletico board about his future in Madrid and, following the 3-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao that saw his side finish third, he had made a decision.

Quoted in Marca, he said: ‘Journalists continually ask me if I am going to stay. Yes, I am going to stay. Do you know why I’m going to stay? Because this club has a future and that future is all of us.’

Sunday’s match was the last at the Vicente Calderon as Atletico prepare to move into their new Wanda Metropolitano stadium for the start of the 2017-18 season.

Fernando Torres, whose future remains in doubt with his contract expiring next month, scored two quick-fire goals in the first-half before Inaki Williams pulled one back with 19 minute to go. Angel Correa sealed the match in the 89th minute with a third.

After the match, Simeone addressed the crowd with an emotional message while players from both past and present made their way onto the pitch and posed with every trophy the club has ever won.

‘I am grateful to all those who have passed through this place,’ Simeone added from the middle of the Calderon pitch. ‘The players, the coaches and the directors. All those who have built this club.

‘For us the feelings run really deep. Other clubs might have more money, more trophies, but they will never be able to match the feelings that we all have for Atletico.’